September… catching up…
Well, it’s been a whirlwind. I stepped down from my USAP (US Antarctic Program) full-time role at the end of the season so I wouldn’t have to work all through the summer on my computer. So when I landed back off the ice, I took some time to adventure in New Zealand, first with an amazing 5 day pack-rafting trip (my first) on the Clarance River (South Island), and then few days hike in the Nelson Lakes region. Spectacular scenery all around!
Then home to begin working again for NOLS. First to Lander, Wyoming for a course in the canyons of Utah with a Navy Test Squandron from California. Then without much time off it was off to Alaska for an avalanche training, then to British Columbia to see some dear NOLS friends, then to Wyoming for a NOLS rock climbing training, then back to Alaska for a 30-day traverse of the Chugach range with students, then to Washington State for a NOLS alumni climb of Mt. Baker. Then finally home!
But too many things to do in the time off that went to quickly. Some time on the vineyard and few precious afternoons of wing foiling. A 4-day flying trip to Downeast, Maine with Dad which was spectacular. Overnight stops included Eastport, Bar Harbor, Biddeford and then back to Norwood, MA.
I’m now off again. This time to a cousin’s wedding in Baltimore, then to Wyoming for a course with NASA folks, then straight to India for a month long mountaineering course. I’ve never liked packing for multiple things at the same time, but i had to do that for the spring and summer and here I go again. I finish the Wyoming course at noon and get picked up to begin the long trip to India precisely at noon. Whirlwind. I look forward to someday having nothing on the schedule. I’m excited about these courses and I also feel the years of putting certain things aside as opportunities present themselves. I’ve been contemplating the opportunities vs. the priorities. It’s a delicate battle as sometimes opportunities come and go, but the priorities suffer if the opportunities are taken.
I’e been dreaming of a long sailing trip for far too long. So I’m trying to build up the mental fortitude to say no. Got to make this dream a reality. South one of these upcoming winters…that’s the hope. Got to go earn some cash for much work that needs being done on Daphne. But the time is drawing near.